Introduction

Even very small children notice that people look different. These differences have offered us strength, community and identity. However, these same differences have also been the historical basis for discrimination and oppression.

Scientific understanding of human variation is beginning to challenge “racial” differences, and even question the very concept of race. We invite you to explore these ideas as you experience the RACE exhibition.

Important information to know:

  • No matter your color or background, RACE will give you an opportunity to examine yourself and how you see others.
  • The RACE exhibition examines the topic from scientific, historical and cultural perspectives.
  • Because it’s never too early to have conversations about race, this exhibition is for the whole family. Since there is a lot of reading, middle school and older students will enjoy it most. To best include the youngest family members, please see this Discussion Guide.

 

A STORY WITH THREE THEMES

Let your family learn the story of race by diving into the rich collection of video, photography, printed word, and interactive technology resources. As you experience RACE, think and talk about these three themes:

The Science of Human Variation
Start your journey by learning what current science research tells us about human variation and its connection to ideas about race. Explore our common ancestry, learn why we are different as well as alike, and see how many common ideas about race are inaccurate or incomplete.

The History of Race
The exhibition demonstrates how economic interests, power struggles, scientific research, and even popular culture have informed the American understanding of race, and have provided a sturdy framework for discrimination. Learn about race as a human invention, and see how scientists who once legitimized ideas about race are now dismantling them.

Race in our Culture
So what is race? Although the concept of race may not be biologically valid, no one can argue that culturally and socially, race is real. The exhibition shines a spotlight on how we experience the concept of race in everyday American life – at school and work, at the doctor’s office, in the halls of Congress, and even every time we switch on the television!

Introduction | Discussion Guides | Learn More | Talking Circles | RACE Home